Edge will have battle scar after collision

UGA/FSU Notebook

As a champion Golden Gloves boxer growing up in Savannah, Georgia center fielder Kris Edge knows what it felt like to be on the opposite end of a straight right cross.

Still, the shot the Diamond Dog center fielder took during a sixth-inning collision with teammate Doc Brooks left him the worse for wear.

During the postgame press conference Saturday, Edge's swollen left eye bore a deep shade of purple, the end result of crashing head first into Brooks' left shoulder chasing Mike Futrell's sacrifice fly.

At 6-foot and a solid 205 pounds, the Georgia left fielder is considerably sturdier than the 5-8, 159-pound Edge, who posted a 45-1 record with two state championships before a broken nose ended his fighting career.

''He's a lot harder than I thought he was,'' Edge said. ''We were both calling. I was yelling at the top of my lungs, he was, too. We just didn't hear each other. I'm just glad he caught the ball.''

Edge was sprawled on the field for several minutes before he regained his faculties and managed to play the rest of the game.

''It's going to be a good little battle scar,'' he said. ''It's going to look good for (today) anyway.''

Jernigan shaken up

Edge wasn't the only player banged up during the Super Regional game.

On Andy Neufeld's double in the bottom of the first, Seminole center fielder Karl Jernigan ran head-first into the left-center field wall, almost knocking himself unconscious.

''With the wind blowing out, the ball carried further than I thought,'' he said. ''I knew where I was, but I hit head first. I saw a few stars, but I was all right.''

When the accident occurred, trainers from both Georgia and FSU rushed to Jernigan's side. A cart was later brought halfway onto the field, but turned around as the senior staggered to his feet.

The incident was just the latest injury for Jernigan, who had eight stitches removed from a lacerated middle finger on his right hand last Wednesday.

Game time for Monday changed

If the Seminoles forced a third and deciding game, it will take place Monday at 3 p.m., and not 5 p.m. as originally scheduled.

The starting time for today's contest remains at 2 p.m.

Whatley honored

Flags at Foley Field were lowered to half-staff Saturday in memory of former Georgia coach ''Big Jim'' Whatley, who passed away at his Athens home Thursday afternoon.

Whatley coached the Diamond Dogs for 24 years, posting a record of 336-327-3, including an SEC Championship in 1954.

The late coach was honored with a moment of silence prior to the first pitch.

FSU closer may be done

After facing 11 batters, Florida State coach Mike Martin said closer Justin Lord might not be available today.

The last of six pitchers used by the Seminoles against Georgia, Lord (2-3) took the loss, allowing two earned runs on two hits and three walks in 12/3 innings.

''That was the most he has thrown, possibly all year,'' Martin said. ''He's only been asked to pitch the ninth. He's seldom been used before then.''

Lord leads the Seminoles with 11 saves.

This article published in the Athens Banner-Herald on Sunday, June 3, 2001.